Rules about registration

You may be fined if your cat or dog is over three months old and is not registered, and

You must follow particular restrictions in relation to restricted breeds of dogs.

When you register a dog or cat, Council knows the pet's owner and address, and how many dogs and cats you own. In West Wimmera Shire Council you are permitted to have two dogs and/or two cats in the township on land up to 0.4 hectare and fours dogs and/or four cats in the township on land greater than 0.4 hectare. An Community Local Law Application for Permit form will need to be completed if you exceed these limits.

You do not need to register pets like birds, fish and small animals.

Why register your dog or cat?

You must register your dog or cat by law. Upon registration Council will issue you with a registration number and tag. Your animal must wear the issued Council registration tag.

The microchip number is unique to your animal for its lifetime. The registration number is unique to the West Wimmera Shire Council registration register. Having a microchip number does not mean that your animal in registered with the Council.

It is also recommended that your dog or cat have a separate ID tag with its name, phone number and address for quick identification if your pet escapes.

How to register your pet for the first time

Legislation requires that first time registered dogs or cats must be microchipped. Bring a copy of the de-sexing certificate, microchipping certificate and a Pensioner Concession card (if applicable) to the Shire offices in Edenhope or Kaniva. Council will provide you with a registration tag (replacements are available). Place the tag on your pet's collar.

Registration fees April 10, 2018 to April 9, 2019

Discounts apply for pensioners, microchipped pets (registered prior to 2013), obedience trained, desexed or working dogs, dogs or cats over 10 years or animals registered with an approved feline or canine association.

Dog & Cat Registration Fees

Rate

Unsterilised

Desexed/Over 10 years

Working dog on rural property

Membership of applicable organisation (eg Dogs Victoria)

Dogs with accredited training

Full Fee

$108

$36

$36

$36

$36

Pension Rate

$54

$18

$18

$18

$18

A half-year fee is charged if you register your dog or cat after December 1.

Recent legislative changes to the
Domestic Animal Act 1994 have led to reduced fees for microchipping no longer being applied. This will only affect pets registered on or after 11 April 2013. Existing registrations will still have the reduction.

How to renew your pet registration

If you have a dog or cat, you must renew the registration every year by 10 April. Council sends you a reminder for renewal in the mail. Once you pay, your pet's registration is renewed for another year.

Registration tags

West Wimmera Shire Council issues lifetime registration tags. While registration must be renewed each year, the tags do not need to be replaced unless lost or stolen.

Your pet must wear its registration tag at all times when it is off your property.

Lost your pet's registration tag?

There is a fee payable for replacement tags. Contact Council to arrange a new tag or to notify of a change to your animal or owner.